Why freight quotes change — and what goes into them
Flooring ships by LTL (less-than-truckload) freight — not UPS or FedEx. Pricing is calculated differently, driven by market conditions, and rarely stays the same from week to week. This page explains why.
How freight is priced
Unlike parcel shipping where you pay by weight against a fixed rate card, LTL freight is dynamic. Carriers calculate rates based on several factors that interact with each other — and with the market — in real time.
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Distance
Carriers use freight lanes and zone maps to price shipments. The further the delivery point from the origin warehouse, the higher the base rate. A job in Milwaukee quotes differently than the same order shipping to Phoenix.
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Weight
Total shipment weight directly affects the rate. Heavier orders cost more in absolute terms, though cost per pound often decreases at higher volumes. Square footage and product type determine weight.
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Volume and density
LTL carriers price by both weight and the space a shipment occupies on the truck. A product that is bulky but light can rate higher than a denser, heavier shipment of the same square footage. This is called freight class, and it varies by product.
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Fuel surcharge
Added as a percentage on top of the base rate and updated weekly by carriers based on the national average diesel price. This is one of the most volatile elements of any freight quote — a number from two weeks ago may no longer be accurate.
On fuel right now: Diesel prices have been unusually volatile. We update freight at the time of order — not at the time of the original quote — because the surcharge can shift meaningfully in a short window. Budget with a buffer.
Accessorial charges
Beyond base freight, carriers add fees for delivery conditions that require extra time, equipment, or coordination. Knowing your site conditions before you order avoids surprises at delivery.
LiftgateNo loading dock or forklift at the delivery site
Residential deliveryHome, apartment, or residential address
Limited accessSchools, churches, job sites, storage facilities
Delivery appointmentCarrier calls ahead to schedule a specific window
Inside deliveryCarrier moves product beyond the truck threshold
Re-deliveryFees when a delivery attempt is missed or refused
The more of these that apply to a shipment, the more the final cost can exceed an initial estimate. We ask about site conditions upfront because it is much easier to price them in than to sort them out after the fact.
Why we can't lock in a freight number early
Architects and designers often need a freight number early in the budgeting process — well before an order is placed. Any number we give you months in advance is a planning figure, not a commitment.
Fuel surcharges update weekly. Carrier rates adjust periodically. Project scope changes. What we can do is give you a current, accurate estimate when you're ready to order and flag when market conditions are making freight unpredictable so you can build in the right contingency.
When in doubt, add 10–15% to any freight estimate as a buffer.
